Contents

Understand

One of Cleveland's original "streetcar suburbs," Lakewood was built and settled primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Most of its existing housing stock was built in this timeframe, and is surprisingly well maintained. Lakewood has managed to retain many of the best features of a city, small town, and suburb, and scenes reminiscent of all three can easily be found within a few blocks of downtown Lakewood (Detroit Ave. between Cook and Bunts) as well as the Gold Coast neighborhood.

Get in

By car: from the airport, follow Ohio 237 north; from most parts of Cleveland proper, take I-90 or Ohio 2 west and follow the signs. RTA bus #26 serves both Lakewood and Cleveland along Detroit Avenue, and the Red Line features two stops just inside the Lakewood/Cleveland border, West 117 and Triskett Road, from which one can easily walk to the southeastern neighborhoods of Lakewood.

Get around

The areas of Lakewood of most interest to a visitor, notably the downtown area, are very walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods. If coming from Cleveland, the #26 bus runs relatively frequently down Detroit Avenue and takes about 45 minutes between downtown Lakewood and downtown Cleveland. Driving in and around Lakewood is fairly easy as well. Please note that the speed limits are 20 in school zones and 25 on most other streets, and are vigorously enforced. Parking is limited in and near the downtown area, though paid garages and metered parking are available almost everywhere.

See

Beck Center for the Arts 17801 Detroit Ave. Local theatre often featuring Kevin Kelly: VERY NICE.

Lakewood Park 14532 Lake Avenue. Gorgeous park with amazing views of Lake Erie. Site of the yearly 4th of July fireworks.

Nicholson House 13335 Detroit Ave. Totally haunted.

Do

Buy

Malley's Chocolates 14822 Madison Ave. Some of the best chocolate in the world. Store features an old timey soda fountain with a multitude of ice cream treat options. Widely known for their fresh hot fudge.

Marc's Deep Discount Stores 14681 Detroit Ave. Seriously? That's the full name of the store? My God. Anyway, it's always busy, with tiny aisles, and cheap wares. Fox News is constantly on as well

Pier W,, 12700 Lake Ave. Winton Place, ☎216.228.2250, [1]. Described as a ˝landmark Cleveland restaurant˝but is technically in Lakewood city limits. Serves delicious food, with a mostly seafood menu, and offers a bar and valet parking. Nice atmosphere and great view of the lake. Sunday mornings are their buffets - a nice time to bring the whole family. A bit pricey

Sleep

Days Inn Cleveland Lakewood

Travelodge Cleveland Lakewood

Stay safe

Most parts of Lakewood are very safe, particularly by comparison to Cleveland proper. At night, use caution in the neighborhoods adjacent to West 117th Street south of Detroit, and Madison Avenue east of Madison Park.

Respect

Lakewood is well known an economically, culturally and ethnically diverse community. Prejudice in any form is not appreciated, but treat other people the way you wish to be treated, regardless of any differences, and you should be fine.